Registration opens for Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day
Registration has opened for farmers to attend the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Event, which will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 14th, 15th and 16th September 2021. The Open Day will be repeated over the three days, so farmers can select which day they wish to attend.
To comply with government Covid-19 guidelines, attendees will be limited to those that are vaccinated/immune to Covid-19 or accompanied minors. Online registration is required to attend the Open Day. Registration opened today, Monday, September 6th at www.teagasc.ie/moorepark21. Attendees will be required to show their EU Digital Covid-19 certificate on arrival at the Open Day.
The theme of the Teagasc Moorepark ’21 Open Day is ‘Delivering Sustainability’, with an increased focus on how farmers can meet the environmental challenges. The overall sponsor of the event is FBD Insurance, with additional support from Ornua and Allied Irish Bank.
Speaking at the launch of the Open Day, Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc, said that "The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill was recently passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. This will require Ireland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. There are related challenges concerning biodiversity, water quality and ammonia emissions. Dairy farmers are aware of the need to address these issues. I have no doubt that the energy that was devoted to growing production in recent years can be harnessed to improve sustainability in the same impressive manner. Teagasc Moorepark Open Days will provide guidance to farm families to address these challenges.”
Topics discussed at the dairy Open Day will include strategies to increase farm environmental sustainability, farm profitability, grassland management and adopt sustainable breeding strategies. There will be a network of themed villages for farmers to visit on the day, including Grass10, Signpost Farm programme, One Health Approach, Breeding and Reproduction, Creating Great Dairy Farm Workplace and Modern Farm Infrastructure. Additionally, there will be a number of demonstrations/workshops on grazing management, nutrient use efficiency, milk quality and future dairy breeding strategies.
Virtual Events
On Wednesday, 15th September, two virtual events will be broadcast live from the Open Day venue. The 2021 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards ceremony will be broadcast at 9 am, celebrating the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. At 7 pm, there will be an industry forum on ‘Challenges and Opportunities’ facing the Irish dairy industry. Panellists will include Charlie McConalogue TD, Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, John Jordan, CEO Ornua, Marie Donnelly, Chair of Climate Change Advisory Council, and Professor Gerry Boyle, Teagasc Director. The forum will be hosted by RTÉ Broadcaster Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
For all those with an interest in the Irish dairy industry, the Teagasc Moorepark dairy event promises to be a very informative event. A comprehensive booklet will be provided to attendees and will be available online. Admission and parking is free, but booking is required. Full compliance with government Covid-19 guidelines will be required.
Find out more about the Open Day or book in to either the virtual or onsite events at www.teagasc.ie/moorepark21